Transnet Trainee Train Assistant 2026

About Transnet

Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods to each and every South African. As a state-owned company, Transnet Freight Rail operates the rail network and provides rail services that are essential to the South African economy.

Important: Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report suspicious activities to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com.

Position Outputs for Transnet Trainee Train Assistant 2026

1. Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties

• Determine which locomotive to be prepared
• Obtain and place equipment on locomotive
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment
• Clean working area
• Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed assist with locomotive brake tests
• Couple locomotive
• Sign on duty
• Despatch locomotive

2. Prepare locomotives

• Determine which locomotive to be prepared
• Obtain and place equipment on locomotive
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment
• Clean working area
• Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed
• Assist with locomotive brake tests

3. Prepare communication equipment

• Obtain radios/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable
• Check functionality of communication equipment

4. Perform pre-trip preparation of Locomotives and whole Train

• Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel
• Mount telemeters where necessary
• Complete vehicle list and vacuum form
• Mount train indicators
• Examine train
• Do brake test in conjunction with train driver

5. Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute

• Obtain works order
• Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order
• Update vehicle list
• Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding

6. Assist train driver enroute

• Verbally compare signal positions and display with train driver
• Observe proceeding trains patrol locomotives
• Reset locomotive trip outs
• Observe safe running of train
• Protect train during incidents
• Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances

7. Comply to safety standards

• Comply to safety standards and laid down instruction to ensure that he is well motivated and competent

8. Provide accurate feedback

• Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route

9. Perform various administration duties

• Assist in performing various administration duties

10. Complete Train journal

• Complete the Train journal and submit to the Section Manager at sign-off after every shift to ensure timeous and accurate processing of monthly salary

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements

• Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science

Other Requirements

• Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months
• Physical hearing, vision, mental, fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioral risk assessments)
• The operator shall not allow employees younger than 21 years of age to undertake Train driver or train control duties (SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8)

Minimum Trainee Pre-Requisite

• The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6m tall
• Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS standards))
• Ability to carry heavy objects

Functional Training

• Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant
• Be willing, prepared and capable to obtain a Train Assistant duties certificate (theoretical and practical) successfully and be certified to work independently as Train Assistant

Competencies

Knowledge

Skills Required

Attributes

• Stress handling
• Self-management
• Safety conscious
• Punctual
• Willing to work shifts
• Results orientated

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.